Hardik Pandya could be heading to a new IPL team, with rumors suggesting he might join either Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) or Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This comes after Rishabh Pant’s recent move from Lucknow Super Giants to Delhi Capitals. Both KKR and CSK have struggled in recent seasons, with CSK failing to qualify for playoffs three times in a row and KKR underperforming despite winning the IPL in 2024.
KKR, who have released their captain Shreyas Iyer and now face another leadership crisis after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement, could benefit from Pandya’s skills as both a batsman and a bowler. Pandya would add strength to KKR’s batting lineup, which currently lacks a strong finisher.
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that Mumbai Indians (MI) might trade Pandya if they receive players like Harshit Rana and Rinku Singh in return. He also noted that MI must ensure the deal doesn’t make KKR too powerful, as KKR already boasts a strong lineup.
Meanwhile, Pandya missed four matches in IPL 2026 due to minor injuries but still contributed with 206 runs and four wickets for MI, who finished ninth in the league.
Hardik’s potential move remains a hot topic as teams look to strengthen their lineups ahead of the next IPL season.